Narihira's eastern journey c. 18th century

This woodblock print by Tomikawa Fusanobu, made around 1770, presents us with a scene from the Tales of Ise, featuring the poet Narihira. Dominating the horizon is Mount Fuji, an iconic symbol of Japan, representing not only natural beauty but also spiritual significance. Consider the symbolism of the journey itself. Narihira’s travels echo the universal human experience of seeking, of confronting the unknown. The mountain looming in the background becomes a mirror, reflecting our own aspirations and the obstacles we perceive in our paths. We find resonances of this symbolic mountain across cultures, from the biblical Mount Sinai to the mythic Mount Olympus. There's a powerful, almost subconscious appeal in the composition. The arrangement invites us to project our own emotional landscapes onto it. This is not merely a depiction of a journey, but an invitation to contemplate our own.